The Rider 2018

All of the characters portrayed in this narrative hail from the Lakota Sioux community located on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. The story revolves around Brady Blackburn, played by Brady Jandreau, who struggles with impoverished living conditions alongside his father, Wayne (Tim Jandreau), and his autistic teenage sister, Lilly (Lilly Jandreau). Once celebrated as a promising rodeo star, Brady’s life takes a drastic turn after a severe rodeo accident leaves him with brain damage. This injury not only weakens his right hand but also makes him susceptible to seizures, with doctors cautioning that continuing to ride would only exacerbate his condition.

Brady frequently visits his friend Lane (Lane Scott), who is currently residing in a care facility due to a similar brain injury incurred from a rodeo mishap. Meanwhile, Brady’s father neglects his responsibilities, squandering their money on drinking and gambling. In a particularly distressing moment, Wayne sells their beloved horse, Gus, to finance their trailer, causing Brady great anguish.

In a bid to support his family, Brady takes on a job at a local grocery store. He also earns extra income by breaking horses. With his hard-earned savings, Brady hopes to invest in another horse, a fiery creature named Apollo. However, his father surprises him by purchasing the horse instead. As Brady forms a connection with Apollo, reminiscent of the bond he shared with Gus, he finds solace in riding once more. Yet, his relentless pursuit leads to a near-fatal seizure, prompting doctors to warn him that riding any further could result in dire consequences.

On returning home, Brady is devastated to discover that his new horse has had an accident that renders it permanently unable to be ridden. Unable to bear the thought of putting down his own horse, he must reluctantly ask his father to handle the heartbreaking decision. In a heated exchange with Wayne, Brady resolves to participate in an upcoming rodeo competition, disregarding his doctors’ stern warnings.

At the competition, as he prepares to ride, he catches sight of his family in the audience. Overwhelmed by conflicting emotions, he ultimately makes the significant decision to step back from the competition and turn away from a life tethered to rodeo riding — a poignant moment of self-realization in his challenging journey.